LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team fell to Alabama Huntsville in straight sets Friday night at Pruitt Hall, as the Chargers claimed a 3-0 Gulf South Conference victory during the Tigers' annual Dig Pink match.
West Alabama struggled to find its offensive rhythm against a strong UAH defense, falling 25-15, 25-21 and 25-17. Despite a late push in the second set, the Tigers were unable to overcome the Chargers' presence at the net.
HOW IT HAPPENED
UAH established control early in the opening set, building a 10-4 advantage behind an effective offensive attack and strong blocking. West Alabama worked to close the gap with kills from
Jazlyn Snow,
Cadence Goeden and
Ola Winiarek, but the Chargers continued to extend their lead. UAH eventually pushed ahead 23-13 before closing the set 25-15.
The Tigers showed more resistance in the second set, keeping the score close through the opening exchanges. UAH began to separate midway through the set, building a 20-12 lead before West Alabama mounted a late comeback.
A kill from Snow and a solo block by the sophomore helped spark the Tigers' response.
Katerina Korre followed with three kills down the stretch, while
Rachele Zanini delivered a service ace to bring West Alabama within three points at 24-21. However, UAH secured the final point to take the set 25-21 and move ahead 2-0 in the match.
West Alabama continued battling in the third set, briefly evening the score at 6-6 before the Chargers used a scoring run to regain control. UAH extended its advantage to 15-8, forcing the Tigers to work from behind once again.
Zanini recorded a service ace, while Klára Bobánová and
Duru Seber contributed kills as West Alabama attempted to narrow the deficit. The Chargers maintained their advantage, eventually closing the set 25-17 to complete the sweep.
BY THE NUMBERS
Snow led the Tigers offensively with seven kills on 11 attempts, finishing with a .455 hitting percentage. Bobánová and Goeden followed with five kills apiece, while Korre and Seber each contributed four.
Zanini directed the West Alabama offense with 23 assists, 11 digs and two service aces.
Charlotte Kerscher added a team-high 14 digs, while Winiarek contributed six digs.
West Alabama finished with 31 kills and a .041 hitting percentage, while UAH recorded 39 kills and hit .323. The Chargers also held a 16-2 advantage in team blocks.
For UAH, Amelia Smith led the attack with nine kills, while Kayla Ward and Emily Redman each added eight. Mary Grace Bundrant contributed eight kills and seven block assists.
UP NEXT
West Alabama will return to Pruitt Hall on Sunday, Nov. 1, to host Montevallo in its final regular-season home match. The Tigers will celebrate Senior Night, with first serve scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
